WATERLOO continue to build their new-look squad with the addition of prop forward Mark Murray.

The Leeds-based student is the latest in a raft of summer acquisitions for the Blundellsands club ahead of life in National League Three North.

Director of rugby Van Deventer has also secured the services of Welshman Gareth Owens and hooker Chris Thompson as he looks to bolster Loo’s forward presence.

Van Deventer has revealed he wants the St Anthony’s Road side to play attractive rugby this season and sees Murray’s addition as key to his philosophy.

With a rugby league background, Van Deventer believes Murray combines brute force with the speed and skill in attack he’s looking for.

An opening pre-season defeat to Bromsgrove, 36-21, could not damped the Waterloo coach’s spirits who described the squad’s preparations thus far as “impressive”.

“I’m very pleased with the way things are going at the moment”, said the South African.

“We’ve started playing to a game plan and a structure. This season we’ll be looking to play as much rugby as we can. We’ll be trying to keep the ball alive and not become too one dimensional. We’ll make sure we’re scoring tries this year.

“I need to make sure I give everyone a fair crack of the whip in pre-season and hopefully assemble a competitive squad.”